Members of a news crew in Argentina are out of a job after falsely reporting the death of the father of World Cup superstar Lionel Messi.
Florencia Pena announced on Luzu TV that Jorge Messi had died and went on to suggest that Messi would not play any further matches in the ongoing World Cup in North America.
In the aftermath of the report, the Messi family on Thursday issued a statement announcing that the patriarch was in the hospital with an undisclosed medical issue but was “progressing favorably.”
Following the report, Pena resigned her position and issued an apology to the family, blaming the production crew for feeding incorrect information to her via her earpiece during a live broadcast.
“I apologize to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through,” Pena later wrote on social media, translated from Spanish. “I am deeply ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain. I must clarify that this false information was provided to me during the live broadcast as verified by the production team of the show, and I trusted it. Even so, I take responsibility for being part of the mistake, and that’s why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu. I apologize again from the heart; I was wrong.”
Started in 2020, Luzu is a popular source of news in Argentina.
It also issued a statement of apology and added that “those responsible” had been relieved of their duties.
“We deeply regret the incident that occurred on air during the program,” Luzu said in a statement, also translated from Spanish. “For our channel, broadcasting sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable.
“Consequently, Luzu TV management has decided to part ways with all those responsible, and Florencia Pena has decided to step aside. We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful, and rigorous communication.”
According to media reports in Argentina, as many as 10 brands immediately ended their sponsorship of Luzu, a streaming channel.
The Messi family statement took issue with the reporting.
“In light of the versions, rumors and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express their profound discomfort at the lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples with which some individuals have treated a strictly private and family matter,” the statement read, in part.
“The family also wishes to clarify that only their closest family members have real and accurate information about Jorge’s condition. Therefore, any version, statement or information that does not come from the family itself and their corresponding channels should not be considered valid or truthful.
“In moments like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.”
Lionel Messi is one of Argentina’s greatest heroes and is participating in his record sixth World Cup.
His list of championships is extensive, including the 2022 World Cup; Olympic gold medal in 2008; two Copa Americas; four Champions Leagues; 10 La Liga; two Ligue 1; and the 2025 MLS Cup with Inter Miami. He has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, awarded to the world’s best player.
Messi scored a hat trick in defending champion Argentina’s World Cup opener, a 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday in Kansas City. Argentina will continue Group J action against Austria on Monday in Arlington, Texas.
–Field Level Media
